ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Teichert

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA · On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the ... Wheel Loader, Excavator, Utility Truck, Tractor, Skid Steer, Dozer, Telescopic Handler Forklift ...

Tempur Sealy

Shipping Truck Loader

Richmond, CA

$23.45/hr

Reviews the shipping order to ensure all items have been loaded * Assist with operating or loading ... Continuous pushing and pulling a wheeled cart containing the finished units. * Frequent overhead ...

ABBA Roller

Wheel Polisher

Ontario, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Load and unload wheels using proper tools and lifting methods * Follow work instructions, travelers, and standard operating procedures * Perform visual inspections and basic dimensional checks

Grandir UK

Forklift Operator I-22k Capacity Taylor

Tracy, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $21.50/hr

... wheel loaders, water trucks, skip loaders/graders, and/or bobcats. • Complete and maintain all ... FORKLIFT OPERATOR I - this level of Operator requires an ongoing forklift certification, and they ...

SA Recycling

Equipment Operator

El Monte, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

High School diploma, GED Certification, or equivalent work experience. * 1-year experience operating a hydraulic crane and wheeled bucket loader; operations in the scrap metal or construction ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in California

Wheel Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in California is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Wheel Loader Operator?

As a wheel loader operator, you use front-end loaders to transport and haul materials or debris around a construction site. The bucket on the wheel loader is used to load and unload materials like ground fill or debris from demolished structures. Wheel loader operators are skilled at driving and controlling these large machines, coordinating with site management and other drivers to ensure safe operation at all times.

What are wheel loader operators?

Wheel loader operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery known as wheel loaders, which are used to move materials such as soil, gravel, sand, and debris on construction sites, quarries, and other industrial locations. Their responsibilities include loading and unloading materials, transporting them to designated areas, and maintaining the equipment to ensure safe operation. Operators must be attentive to safety protocols and often require specialized training or certification. They play a vital role in keeping construction and material-handling operations efficient and safe.

What are the most common challenges faced by a Wheel Loader Operator on a construction site?

Wheel Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating around tight spaces or other heavy machinery, and maintaining clear communication with ground crews. Staying alert and adhering to strict safety protocols is crucial to prevent accidents. Additionally, operators are expected to perform routine equipment checks and minor maintenance, ensuring the loader is always in optimal working condition. Adapting to rapidly changing job site priorities and collaborating with other operators and site supervisors are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Wheel Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectWheel Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction sites, demolition, trenching
Common UsageLoading/unloading materials, moving bulk materialsDigging, trenching, lifting heavy objects

While both Wheel Loader Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and mining environments, their roles differ in equipment and tasks. Wheel Loader Operators primarily handle loading and moving bulk materials, whereas Excavator Operators focus on digging and trenching. Certifications and safety training overlap, but their specific equipment skills vary. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wheel Loader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wheel Loader Operator, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a relevant equipment operator certification or license. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, onboard computers, safety procedures, and routine maintenance tools is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work safely and efficiently within team environments. These competencies ensure safe operation, prevent equipment damage, and contribute to productivity on construction or industrial sites.
More about Wheel Loader Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in CA? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Careers at Teichert

Winton, CA

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Purpose
To operate, repair, and maintain everything pertaining to the daily operation of an aggregate and asphalt facility.  
Focus & Scope
Essential duties and responsibilities, i.e. those which are basic, necessary, and an integral part of the job, are indicated below:
Company/Entity
  1. Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the production of rock products.
  2. Asphalt plant operator - Includes operating various controls in the asphalt plant to create an asphalt mix, communicating with truck drivers, and loading trucks from the plant or silos.
  3. Repairman/Mechanic - Includes repairing and maintaining the workings of the rock plant, asphalt plant, belt line, equipment, and the scale house.
  4. Equipment operator - includes operating equipment for the purpose of mining, stockpiling, cleaning, repairing, dust control, and maintenance in the plant site.
  5. Laborer - includes shoveling, operating equipment, washing, and maintaining the cleanliness of the plant site.  
  6. Miscellaneous - includes other various tasks your supervisor may ask of you pertaining to the operation of the facility.

Role Qualifications and Requirements
 
  • Cutting, torching, grinding, welding, rigging, use of hand tools, operation of equipment, knowledge of aggregate materials and products, ability to safely and productively work in a team environment.

Equipment Used, Physical Demands, and Work Environment
Equipment Used:
 
  • Wheel Loader, Excavator, Utility Truck, Tractor, Skid Steer, Dozer, Telescopic Handler Forklift, Articulating Boom Lift, Haul Truck, Water Truck, Welder, Torch, Hand Tools, Computer and CB Radio.
     
Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
  • Physical: Employees may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time: shoveling, lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting or standing for various lengths of time, and climbing of stairs. 
  • WORK ENVIRONMENT
    Plant and belt line locations may contain dust, fumes, debris, low to loud levels of noise and extreme weather conditions including excessive heat or cold and rain prevalent at times.

HOURLY BASE SALARY RANGE:
$31.65 - $37.98
The range displayed reflects the range the company reasonable expects to pay for the position. The actual base salary is subject to variation due to the role, level, geographic location, relevant education, training, or experience, among other factors.
Employer Disclosure Statement        
The above statements and job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed within this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and tasks.  Other similar or additional duties are performed as assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Teichert and its subsidiaries are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Individuals seeking employment at our company are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, race, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 
Notice to Staffing Agencies
Teichert, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Teichert) will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Teichert, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Teichert mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Teichert employees, or to Teichert's resume database will be considered Teichert property. Teichert will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Teichert will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Teichert's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Teichert will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Teichert's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Teichert employee is authorized to bind Teichert to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

Apply